Collins enters not guilty plea following Oct. accident

The South Carolina man standing trial for the October deaths of Pontiac Police Officer Casey Kohlmeier and K-9 Draco was seen by Livingston County Associate Judge Robert M. Travers Monday afternoon.

Jason Collins, 33, is facing three felony and two misdemeanor charges stemming from the accident that occurred on Interstate 55 at mile marker 201. He appeared in custody of the Livingston County Jail, although he is being held in the Macon County Jail.

Collins, who is being represented by a public defender, was in a courtroom surrounded by family, friends and coworkers of Kohlmeier. His attorney entered a plea of not guilty and Collins also voluntarily waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Collins is requesting a trial by jury as well.

Livingston County First Assistant State's Attorney Randy Yedinak agreed with Travers that this trial could proceed and be put on the January 6 jury calendar, as he believes evidence from Duffy Ambulance, OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center, as well as OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, will be ready and reviewed.

A final pretrial hearing was also set for Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 3:30 p.m.

Collins is facing two charges of aggravated DUI, both Class 2 felonies, and if convicted, could be sentenced to no less than three years and no more than 14 years in prison with fines up to $25,000. He is also being charged with reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony, and if convicted, could face a sentence of two to five years in prison with fines up to $25,000, and two charges of DUI, Class A misdemeanors.